In a recent city council meeting, residents expressed strong concerns regarding the approval of poorly planned development projects in Costa Mesa, emphasizing the need for adherence to smart growth principles. A resident, speaking on behalf of the community, criticized the city for allowing developments that lack essential amenities such as affordable housing, open spaces, and active transportation options. The resident urged the council to revise planning standards and engage the community in future developments, highlighting that Measure Y was intended to pause development until these changes were made.

Council members acknowledged the resident's concerns, with Councilmember Chavez noting the importance of community spaces in new developments. He encouraged the developer to consider incorporating communal areas that foster interaction among residents. The discussion also touched on the target demographic for the proposed housing, with developers indicating a focus on middle-aged families without children, which raised questions about the suitability of the location for families.

The council members expressed a collective desire for more community-oriented designs, emphasizing the need for internal gathering spaces within new developments. Concerns were raised about the aesthetics of the proposed buildings, with calls for more greenery and less reliance on palm trees, which have been unpopular in recent projects.

In a separate agenda item, the council reviewed plans for Shalimar Park, which received a $2.3 million funding boost. The proposed designs included community-requested amenities such as a mini soccer pitch and handball court. The council supported a design plan that maximizes community engagement and safety, including features like security lighting and traffic calming measures. However, some members suggested exploring alternatives to traditional speed bumps to maintain open spaces for recreational activities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing community concerns about development and enhancing public spaces, reflecting a growing demand for thoughtful urban planning in Costa Mesa.